COLUMBIA, August 19, 2011 — Senator Larry Grooms today announced that he will hold a special Senate hearing to hear from the South Carolina Department of Transportation concerning its financial situation.

The DOT reports that cash problems have caused the department to fall behind in paying vendors and contractors. There are also indications that the department could have difficulty meeting other future financial obligations.

“Roads and bridges are a vital to the safety and economic wellbeing of every South Carolinian,” says Senator Grooms, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “I don’t want to put the public at risk. People deserve clear answers about why DOT can’t pay its bills.”

DOT Secretary Robert St. Onge is expected to address the Committee. The hearing will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 308 of the Gressette Building, 1101 Pendleton Street, Columbia.
###
Contact: David Owens – 803.212.6402